The Barber of Seville

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Overview

By Gioachino Rossini

"Figaro, Figaro, Fi-ga-ro!" This October, get ready for whimsical disguises, good-natured trickery, and plenty of treats for eyes and ears alike! This giddy romp is full of zany schemes worthy of a Bugs Bunny cartoon. Romance sparks between savvy Rosina and lovesick Count Almaviva, but she's under the thumb of a ghastly guardian we love to hate. Enter fast-talking Figaro, who's always ready to help young love carry the day.

The Critics say: It's a hit!

“Action-packed fun! Excellent singing and persuasive acting from all. From the familiar overture to the sparkling finale, conductor Giacomo Sagripanti sustained the show’s forward momentum with speedy transitions and deft support of the singers. The chorus looked snappy, and appeared to be having a terrific time. And so, judging from the applause levels, did the audiences.” –The Seattle Times

“This would be a great show for a first-time opera-goer to try. But actually, anyone who likes spectacle will be wowed. It’s a crazy bright hilarious production [with] magnificent tunes and voices.” –The Stranger

“Go, go, go! This production is a hoot. Musically it's up there with the company’s best, with both singers and orchestra shining; add to that the acting, the staging, the sets, costumes and lighting—they are marvelous. A zany creation that is incredibly funny and wildly colorful, yet true to the story and never overreaching... The whole experience is sheer delight.” –CityArts

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Synopsis

ACT IOutside the house of Dr. Bartolo in Seville. Accompanied by the servant Fiorello and a group of hired musicians, Count Almaviva serenades his beloved Rosina from beneath her window. Along comes Figaro—barber, doctor, matchmaker, and self-styled “factotum” to all of Seville. Figaro informs the Count, his former employer, that Rosina is the ward of old Dr. Bartolo. Rosina drops a letter from her window asking her mysterious serenader to identify himself. In a second serenade, the Count fabricates an identity as a poor student named “Lindoro” (since he wants to be loved for himself, and not his riches). After observing Dr. Bartolo make plans to marry Rosina himself, the Count and Figaro plot to foil Bartolo’s plans. In order to get the Count into Bartolo’s house, Figaro will disguise the Count as a drunken soldier to be billeted there.

Inside the house, Rosina declares her intention to have the man she wants. Don Basilio, Rosina’s singing teacher, warns Bartolo that Count Almaviva has designs on Rosina, and Basilio suggests that slander would be the best way to get rid of him. Bartolo insists they draw up his marriage contract to Rosina immediately. Figaro, who overhears their plot, warns Rosina, promises to deliver a note from her to “Lindoro,” and departs. The suspicious Dr. Bartolo deduces that Rosina has written someone a letter and heckles her. The Count bursts into the house in his drunken soldier disguise and insists that he is to lodge there, despite Dr. Bartolo’s strenuous objections. Their ensuing quarrel becomes a public disturbance.

ACT IILater that afternoon. Having gotten rid of the drunken soldier, Dr. Bartolo opens his doors to the Count—disguised this time as Don Alonso, Don Basilio’s substitute music teacher. “Don Alonso” allays Dr. Bartolo’s suspicions by giving Bartolo the letter Rosina wrote to “Lindoro,” and describes his plan to slander Lindoro, who is clearly pursuing women on the Count’s behalf. At her singing lesson, Rosina sings an aria from The Useless Precaution, her favorite opera. Meanwhile Figaro, who is giving Dr. Bartolo a shave, manages to steal a key to the house. Don Basilio enters suddenly, beginning a quintet; but the others quickly boot him out the door, and quintet becomes quartet. Dr. Bartolo finally discovers the lovers’ plot and kicks the Count and Figaro out of his house. Dr. Bartolo asks Don Basilio to fetch the notary so Bartolo can marry Rosina at once. Bartolo shows Rosina her letter and tells her that her “Lindoro” is really wooing her on behalf of another man, Count Almaviva. Rosina’s faith in Lindoro is shattered.

During a storm, Figaro and the Count, using the stolen key, enter with the intention of liberating Rosina. When Rosina refuses to go with them, “Lindoro” reveals his true identity. Basilio is threatened and bribed into witnessing the marriage of Almaviva and Rosina. Bartolo concedes defeat and blesses the lovers.

What inspired The Barber of Seville? What is bel canto opera? And how has this opera influenced modern day? Learn more about the music and the characters of The Barber of Seville in our in-depth, multimedia Spotlight Guide.

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Seattle Opera believes in opera for all. There are many ways to attend for less, including $25 tickets for every performance; up to 40% off with season ticket packages; special pricing for patrons age 21-39; and student, senior, military, teen, and group discounts.

Hometown: Seattle, WASeattle Opera DebutMarc Kenison, internationally known as his burlesque persona Waxie Moon, has performed at various venues throughout Seattle including Key Arena, On The Boards, The Triple Door, Seattle Repertory Theatre, ACT Theatre, and The Moore Theater. This December, Waxie Moon can be seen in Seattle in Homo for the Holidays. Kension recently directed Above the Fruitless Plains at Cornish College of the Arts, where he is an adjunct faculty member.